An assessment of the uptake of modern contraceptives among women in Nairobi County: a study of the c-word campaign

Abstract

The study assessed the uptake of modern contraceptives among women in Nairobi County: A study of the C-Word Campaign. The objectives of the study were: (i) to establish the knowledge levels of contraceptive use among women aged between 15 – 24 years in Nairobi; (ii) to find out the type of modern contraceptive methods targeted by the C-Word Campaign; (iii) to find out the challenges faced by women towards accessing modern contraceptives and information and (iv) to establish the role of communication on influencing contraceptive uptake as an intervention on increasing contraceptive prevalence and social behaviour change. The study used the descriptive research design. It utilised two theories of behaviour change communication. These were: the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the process of behaviour change (PBC). Qualitative data was collected using the interview method. Key informant interviews and focus group discussion methods were used to collect data. The tools used were interview schedules and interview guides respectively. The data were interpreted using thematic analysis. The study found out that the youth had a basic knowledge and understanding of contraceptives and the C-word campaign. The campaign helped them to know of other methods they can use to protect pregnancies and where to access them. They learnt about the campaign from media, Lvct clinic and their friends. The study concluded that the campaign should also be broadcasted through other platforms which are more appealing to the youth like road shows all over the country, actual visits to schools especially during cultural days, sports days or when there is an activity at school and focus group discussions. The study recommends that Lvct health and its partners should ensure that they give enough information about the types of contraceptives they offer and even give out booklets to help the youth make rational decisions on their contraceptive choice and where to buy from.